Review of The Suffers, “Make Some Room” EP On January 20

Review of The Suffers, “Make Some Room” EP On January 20
By: Don of Don411.com Media

Where to begin? Popular music can be placed in epochs, such as 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s. After listening to their 4 songs on their new EP, I can’t tell what era this was made, because the The Suffers made their music timeless. What is very neat, that they were established in 2011, and I can hear all the good influences from those eras.

I am hesitant to compare them with any contemporaries to say they are similar to, because they are unique on their own.

First time I listened The Suffers, title track “Make Some Room”, I thought I was listening to something is the 1970’s that would be on Casy Kasems’s Top 40 Countdown. Their orchestration is tight, recording quality is high and Kam Franklin is not afraid to explore the vocal space provided in the studio.

“Stay” song merges the breathy words and long held notes by Kam Franklin and the band compliments her vocals.

The start of “Gwan” with the tremolo on the brass brings the listener to the attention of what is to come. It doesn’t deviate from the rhythm it initially sets up.

“Giver” highlights to vocal variation Kam Franklin merged with other instruments, everything is about equal in voice to instrumental.

I just hope the free market appreciates what this group has to offer. I could certainly envision them being invited as a guest performance on a late night show or being the resident band on a late night show!

“Texas 10-piece The Suffers are a force, with frontwoman Kam Franklin leading

a soulful live show that always seems to leave raving fans in its wake.”

– PASTE Magazine

“Kam Franklin works the stage like a star; her sweet, airy voice has the ability to pierce through the clouds.

She was backed by a bright horn section, and the entire sound was informed by a seemingly limitless list

that included pop, soul, funk, jazz and reggae.”

– Houston Chronicle

“From the very first notes of ‘Gwan,’ the listener is hit with the “we mean business” attitude

and brilliant power that fans have come to love and expect.”

– Houston Press

Houston, TX – December 11, 2014 – Houston’s award-winning 10-piece The Suffers are set to release their upcoming Make Some Room EP on January 20th, 2015. Following this highly anticipated release, The Suffers will kick off their West Coast Tour on February 11th, playing 11 cities along the way. For more information on their upcoming EP and tour, please visit: www.thesuffers.com.

Established in 2011, The Suffers’ lineup was curated by bassist Adam Castaneda and vocalist/keyboardist Pat Kelly, who brought on trumpet player Jon Durbin, trombonist Michael Razo,guitarist Kevin Bernier, percussionist Jose “Chapy” Luna, and drummer/vocalist Nick Zamora. Jazz saxophonist Cory Wilson and guitarist/vocalist Alex Zamora filled out the rhythm section, while frontwoman Kam Franklin topped off the group with soaring vocals.

It’s hard to put just one label on The Suffers’ sound – the best way to describe them is feel good music, which combines elements of classic American soul intertwined with rock & roll. The band’s sincerity and emotion are laid bare in their music, which has garnered an audience so broad and varied that they may prove to be the panacea for a jaded and stratified live music scene.

In a short time, the band has progressed from packing Houston venues to accepting invitations for featured performances at Voodoo Music + Arts Experience 2014, SXSW 2014, Dallas’ Index and Homegrown Festivals, Houston’s Free Press Summer Festival, Paste Magazine’s Untapped Festival, and CMJ Music Marathon 2014. The Suffers have since joined the ranks of Red Bull Sound Select and have remained a local favorite, accepting nineHouston Press Music Awards in three years. Coming up, the band is set to support Lee Fields & The Expressionsand will perform at this year’s Big D NYE– the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Central Time Zone!

The Suffers’ upcoming EP will draw people onto the dance floor with “Gwan,“ a sweaty, afro-beat inspired song about getting down, rounded out by uplifting soul cuts like “Stay” and the epic title track “Make Some Room.“ The EP’s only respite comes in the form of “Giver,“ a smoky, throbbing blues ballad that will have listeners captivated.

With excitement towards the upcoming EP release, Franklin explains: “These songs are just a small introduction to who we are. The inspirations are drawn from our families, culture, and personal relationships. The live recording experience forced us to step away from what we were used to, but the end result is something we are all truly proud of.”

The Suffers’ Make Some Room EP is set to release on January 20, 2015. For more information, please visit: www.thesuffers.com.

“Texas 10-piece The Suffers are a force, with frontwoman Kam Franklin leading

a soulful live show that always seems to leave raving fans in its wake.”

– PASTE Magazine

“Kam Franklin works the stage like a star; her sweet, airy voice has the ability to pierce through the clouds.

She was backed by a bright horn section, and the entire sound was informed by a seemingly limitless list

that included pop, soul, funk, jazz and reggae.”

– Houston Chronicle

“From the very first notes of ‘Gwan,’ the listener is hit with the “we mean business” attitude

and brilliant power that fans have come to love and expect.”

– Houston Press

Houston, TX – December 17, 2014 – Houston’s award-winning 10-piece The Suffers have teamed up with SPIN to premiere their new song “Make Some Room” today! “Make Some Room” is the title track off of The Suffers’ upcoming EP, which is set to release on January 20th, 2015. Following this highly anticipated release, The Suffers will kick off their West Coast Tour on February 11th, playing 11 cities along the way. Listen to “Make Some Room” on SPIN, here: http://go.spin.com/1zwtR4e

Established in 2011, The Suffers’ lineup was curated by bassist Adam Castaneda and vocalist/keyboardist Pat Kelly, who brought on trumpet player Jon Durbin, trombonist Michael Razo,guitarist Kevin Bernier, percussionist Jose “Chapy” Luna, and drummer/vocalist Nick Zamora. Jazz saxophonist Cory Wilson and guitarist/vocalist Alex Zamora filled out the rhythm section, while frontwoman Kam Franklin topped off the group with soaring vocals.

In a short time, the band has progressed from packing Houston venues to accepting invitations for featured performances at Voodoo Music + Arts Experience 2014, SXSW 2014, Dallas’ Index and Homegrown Festivals, Houston’s Free Press Summer Festival, Untapped Festival, and CMJ Music Marathon 2014. The Suffers have since joined the ranks of Red Bull Sound Select and have remained a local favorite, accepting nineHouston Press Music Awards in three years. Coming up, the band is set to support Lee Fields & The Expressionsand will perform at this year’s Big D NYE– the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Central Time Zone!

The Suffers’ Make Some Room EP is set to release on January 20, 2015. For more information, please visit: www.thesuffers.com.